THIS FORTNIGHT'S SELECTION OF THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO GO
The Magic of Racing
The noble art of painting and the subtle art of horse breeding join forces to depict how a winner is made. Retrospect Galleries, Broadbeach has initiated an exhibition to coincide with the major event, The Magic MillionsÇ on the Gold Coast Turf Calendar. The brief for the artists participating in this exhibition was 'aspects of the equine world'. From the intimacy of the race to the majesty of the beast our artists depict in pen and brush their interpretation and love of the horse world. Deb Mostert, Simon Roots, Jan Van Dijk, Jessica Geron, Nick Batchelor, Mike Chavez, Nikky Morgan-Smith, Kathy Mackey, Lisa Lee and Erica Gray are some of the artists participating in this exhibition. Opening 6pm, Friday 13 January. Exhibition runs 13 to 25 January, Retrospect Galleries, Broadbeach.
O'Reilly ís Wildlife Week
From 15 to 21 January 2012 you can explore Lamington National Park during O'Reilly's Wildlife Week. Take the family up to the hinterland to experience the magnificent subtropical rainforest and discover the world of pademelons, bandicoots, echidnas, gliders, birds, reptiles and frogs while tracking, trapping and sneaking up on wildlife. Guiding the group this year will be Ian Gynther, a Senior Conservation Officer with the Threatened Species Branch of Queensland's Department of Environment and Resource Management For information and bookings Tel: 1800 688 722 or visit www.oreillys.com.au
2012 BMW Magic Milli ons Race Day
Enjoy the action on and off the track with all the colour, excitement, glamour and glorious racing of the BMW Magic Millions Race Day, Saturday 14 January. Head to Gold Coast Turf Club, from 9am and experience the $2 Million BMW Magic Millions 2YO Classic, $1 Million Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas and R.M. Williams Magic Millions Cup, as well as Myer Fashion on the Field and other sensational aspects of this internationally famous festival. More at www.magicmillions.com.au
The Return of the King's Singers
One of the world's most celebrated vocal ensembles, The King's Singers will make their long-awaited return to Australia for the first time in almost 30 years. In a Brisbane debut, The King's Singers will perform one concert only at QPAC accompanied by The Queensland Pops Orchestra on 19 February at 3pm. Bookings www.qpac.com.au or Tel: 136 246.
Jupiters Final Pool Party for summer 2012
Featuring The Veronicas Thursday 26 January, Poolside is the place to be as Jupiters Hotel & Casino hosts its fifth and final Pool Party with a true blue twist on the Australia Day public holiday, midday to 6pm. Swimwear or Leisure Wear (please note: to continue the celebrations after the event, Jupiters Hotel & Casino's normal dress code applies). Tickets: From $65 per person including your first drink. VIP packages are available. All ticket types are strictly limited. Book at www.ticketmaster.com.au.
Comedy in The Basement (STRICTLY 18+), Dave Jory
A bald guy in a black suit, stand-up comedian Dave Jory is clever, slick and very funny. With several years of experience as a comedy writer and with performances on hit comedy shows such as Sydney Comedy Festival Gala (Comedy Channel), Last Comic Standing (NBC) and Channel 10's Joker Poker, Jory is acknowledged as one of Australia's best comedians. Friday 13 January. Tickets: $20 (pre-booked) or $22 at the door. Bookings: 5588 4000 or www.theartscentregc.com.au. Dinner and show package available.
Mary and Me: Mary Poppins and her creator or P.L. Travers
Few literary characters inhabit a life of their own the way Mary Poppins has. Queensland born author P.L. Travers insisted that she didn't invent the character, but merely wrote her down. Wherever she came from, Mary Poppins has delighted children and adults alike for decades. Mary and Me looks at the remarkable journey from page to stage, and film, and features original papers from the P.L. Travers collections, archival video and costumes from the current musical version of Mary Poppins. On display at QPAC's Tony Gould Gallery until 17 March and entry is free. More at www.qpac.com.au or Tel: 136 246.
Live and Intimate in The Basement, The Ingrid James Quartet
Set to reignite the sizzling live music series on Saturday 14 January 2012 is the ever popular, award winning jazz singer Ingrid James and her swinging Quartet! Performing unique interpretations of songs ranging from classic jazz standards through to timeless melodies from the Beatles and the Beach Boys, this Live and Intimate performance is a must see for lovers of jazz. Supporting Ingrid on stage is UK pianist John Reeves, Andrew Shaw (double bass) Bookings: 5588 4000 or www.theartscentregc.com.au. Dinner and show package available.
Food & Wine Expo
Friday 20 January to Sunday 22 January, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. With over 100 Exhibitors this event will have all the ingredients to tantalize your taste buds. From gourmet food to exquisite wines there will be something for everyone to indulge. Admission $15-$45. More at www.foodandwineexpo.com.au
Magic Millions
ILLUMINATED Gala Dinner With special guests and unique performances, this will be the premier event during the BMW Magic Millions Carnival! MC is Alison Ariotti from Channel Nine's Today Show and organiser, Andrew Meadowcroft promises plenty of surprises as well. QT Gold Coast, Grand Ballroom. Friday 13 January 2012, from 7pm. Tables of 10 start from $3,500 More at www.magicmillions.com.au. To book tickets contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or gcVIP Events on 0439 824 882.
Free Mulpha Moonlight Movies
Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, head to Sanctuary Cove for FREE screenings of family movies under the stars on the Village Green. Pack a picnic or book in to one of the Village restaurants. Movies start 7pm. Friday January 27 will be Cars 2. Star race car Lightning McQueen and his pal Mater head overseas to compete in the World Grand Prix race. But the road to the championship becomes rocky as Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. More at www.sanctuarycove.com/events
Brand New Show Brings Phar Lap to Life
With no other show on earth like it, one of Australia's most legendary stories is retold as Australian Outback Spectacular celebrates the courageous spirit of the Australian horse and commemorates the legend that is Phar Lap with the launch of the new show, Spirit of the Horse with a Tribute to Phar Lap. Village Roadshow Theme Parks Chairman, John Menzies said that after a hugely successful run of Heroes of the Light Horse, it was time to introduce something completely new and exciting to Australian Outback Spectacular.
"We decided to dedicate this new show to the legendary Australian story of Phar Lap, further enhancing our cultural heritage and paying tribute to one of Australiaís most courageous and spirited horses," he said.
Australian Outback Spectacular's "Spirit of the Horse" brings to life this iconic Australian story in a specially designed world class arena, featuring an amazing cast of larger than life characters, stunning special effects and magnificent animals including the spirited Australian stockhorse.
The highly entertaining show demands everyone is well fed with forty stockmen and women serving up a gourmet Aussie feast with beer, wine or soft drink to all 1000 guests in record time.
The show, whilst celebrating one of the most remarkable stories in our history, still contains all the modern day fun and competitive spirit of the outback and its people which everyone thoroughly enjoys. Since its grand opening in April 2006, Australian Outback Spectacular has entertained over one million people from around the world, celebrating the proud Australian culture. Audiences have learned about Australia's history, marvelled at demonstrations of world class riding skills, laughed at the gags and enjoyed the friendly competition that develops between the stockmen and women from rival stations in the true Australian spirit. For more visit www.myfun.com.au
